Aren’t you tired of pairing the same old boring snacks with your tea? Even if you have switched from deep-fried packets of namkeen to a healthy bowl of makhana, adding variety to your daily meals is a non-negotiable. And what’s better than trying different versions of the humble snack – chilla?
Also known as cheela, chilla can be made with many healthy ingredients like besan dal, suji, and so on. If you want to replace the sugary biscuits and munch on something without any guilt in the evenings, you’re at the right place. Apart from being a breakfast staple, chillas can be the perfect healthy snack that can be paired with chutney.
Besan Chilla
Starting with the basics, besan chilla is the staple in most Indian households. It can be quickly whipped up by making a consistent batter using besan (gram flour), water, and chopped veggies like onion, tomatoes, chillies, and a blend of spices. Once you get a smooth batter, pour a ladleful of it on a non-stick pan, and cook on both sides till golden brown.
Moong Dal Chilla
If you want to make the most of pulses, you can make high-protein moong dal chilla and enjoy it at any time of the day. To make a nutritious snack at home, you can soak moong dal and grind it. Then, add spices like red chilli powder, turmeric powder, salt, and assorted vegetables as per your preference. Finally, heat a tawa, spread the mixture, and cook till crispy. Serve it with a mint chutney and gobble.
Millet Vegetable Chilla
For people moving towards a gluten-free diet, millet vegetable chilla can be the perfect snack. You can start by choosing a millet like jowar, bajra, ragi, etc, and mix it with some water till you get a smooth batter. Then, add chopped vegetables like onion, tomato, green chillies, capsicum, carrot, and coriander leaves. Serve it with a bowl of dahi and enjoy guilt-free.
Oats Chilla
Oats chilla is another healthy twist on the classic snack. All you need to do to make it at home is grind oats into a flour and mix it with some besan, chopped onions, tomatoes, green chillies, spices, and a little water. When you get a smooth mixture, spread it on a non-stick pan and cook on both sides. Transfer the oats chilla to a plate and serve it with a spicy chutney.
Suji Chilla
Suji chilla, also known as rava chilla, is an impeccable option for healthy snacking or even as a light breakfast option. If you want to quickly make a nutritious snack at home, you can start by mixing suji with dahi and water. Once smooth, you can mix in chopped vegetables, and cook the chilla till it is golden brown. You can pair it with pudina or dhania chutney and enjoy.